Strike Affects Malta Shipbuilding
Thousands of striking workers demonstrated in Malta's capital on Friday, Reuters reported, against tax increases and major shipyards were hit by the industrial action. Malta Drydocks, Malta Shipbuilding and Malta Freeport were among companies hit by stoppages after the General Workers' Union called on all workers to go on strike. Union general secretary Tony Zarb told the opposition's Super One radio that the union was very satisfied with the turnout. During the demonstration, attended by thousands in Valletta's main street, Zarb presented a petition signed by 78,600 people to Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami calling on the government to ease financial burdens on workers.
Malta To Work on Navy Ship
Malta's biggest trade union directed its members to carry out a refit of a U.S. warship, after some workers complained that the project compromised Malta's neutrality and refused to work on it. "Work on the USS La Salle may be carried out," General Workers' Union (GWU) general secretary Tony Zarb said. The $8 million refit of the U.S. Sixth Fleet flagship was thrown into doubt when the GWU's shipyards section, which represents the bulk of workers at Malta Drydocks, said its delegates had decided not to work on the ship. The dockyards' management submitted its resignation, but Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami refused to accept this and warned that his government would stop all financial aid to the loss-making drydocks if not enough workers were available to carry out the work.
